We are heartbroken to share with you that Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, IBCLC, passed away on 13 August 2016.
Dr. Miriam Labbok
Miriam was a true leader in our field, making countless contributions to human health through breastfeeding. The University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health has ably documented many of those accomplishments here. Among the many places her professional contributions were celebrated included the recent ILCA conference, where she was conferred the Journal of Human Lactation’s Patricia Martens Award for Excellence in Breastfeeding Research.
Miriam (seated, right) with members of the ILCA and WABA board and staff.
Harder to capture in a press release or blog post are the many, many lives she touched through her thoughtful mentoring of emerging and seasoned lactation professionals and advocates. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has established a tribute wall, where some of these stories are captured.
ILCA Executive Director Dick Padlo had the honor of sharing his remembrances of Miriam in the guest book at her funeral. We welcome you to share the impact she had on your life here in the comments. We will share these stories with her family.
I am so thankful to have had Miriam Labbok in the field of lactation.